U.S. economy adds 115,000 jobs, beats estimates; But low-wage jobs lead gains

The U.S. economy created 115,000 jobs in April, besting economists’ and Wall Street estimates of 55,000 new jobs.

But many of the biggest employment gains last month were in lower-wage jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Last month, the U.S. economy added 37,900 couriers and messengers who deliver items to customers. The U.S. economy also added 24,000 jobs in social services, 18,300 at big-box retail stores, 10,800 in home health services, 17,200 at bars and restaurants, and 14,800 at nursing homes and residential care facilities.

Those job categories, which tend to pay lower wages, led the April job gains.

The better-than-expected job numbers were announced Friday. They also show the U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged in April at 4.3%.

The April jobs reports shows 123,000 private sector jobs were created with the government jobs dropping by 8,000 positions.

Among industries, the U.S. manufacturing sector lost 200 jobs, while transportation and warehousing added 30,300 positions and health care and social assistance gained 53,900 jobs, according to the U.S. government data.